Michigan Launches Redesigned Unclaimed Property Website

News Summary

On May 13, 2025, Michigan unveiled a new website for its Unclaimed Property Program, aimed at assisting residents in locating and claiming lost assets. The site boasts an updated design with easier navigation and clear instructions, promoting user engagement. Individuals and businesses are encouraged to check for unclaimed property, including dormant bank accounts and uncashed checks, with the state returning over $150 million in assets last fiscal year. The service is free, and assistance is available via phone for those who need help navigating the claims process.

Lansing, Michigan – On May 13, 2025, Michigan launched a redesigned website for its Unclaimed Property Program, aimed at helping residents locate and claim lost assets. The updated site features refreshed colors, simpler navigation, and clearer instructions that facilitate a more user-friendly experience for claimants.

Individuals and businesses are encouraged to utilize the new platform to determine if they have any unclaimed property in their names or business names. The Unclaimed Property Program currently holds millions of dollars in various forms of unclaimed wealth, including dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, stock certificates, and contents from abandoned safe deposit boxes. By law, properties are transferred to the state when they are deemed lost or abandoned, and the program’s primary goal is to return these assets to their rightful owners or heirs.

Residents can access the unclaimed property service at Michigan.gov/UnclaimedProperty. The search is straightforward: users enter their individual or business name to see if a match exists. If a match is found, claimants can follow step-by-step instructions to file their claims online. The entire process, including the search and claim submission, is free of charge. Additionally, users can securely upload the necessary documentation to support their claims through the platform.

For those who prefer personal assistance, the program’s office staff is available to help from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, at the phone number 517-636-5320.

In the last fiscal year, the state of Michigan successfully returned over $150 million in unclaimed assets to individuals and their heirs. This underscores the importance of utilizing this free service, as unclaimed properties can vary greatly in value, ranging from small amounts to substantial sums that may surprise claimants.

The unclaimed property database is routinely updated throughout the year, making it advisable for residents to conduct regular checks. Claimants have no deadline for filing claims, which means they can revisit the website at any time to search for potential unclaimed assets. Notably, common unclaimed assets often include uncashed checks as well as amounts owed to individuals by former educational institutions.

The manager of the Unclaimed Property Program, Terry Stanton, has highlighted the relevance of checking for unclaimed property annually, comparing it to the concept of “spring cleaning.” This analogy encourages individuals to actively seek out any assets that rightfully belong to them, as many people may be unaware of funds or properties that have been set aside for them.

The revamped website reflects Michigan’s commitment to enhancing governmental services and making vital information easily accessible to the public. By streamlining the process of searching for and claiming unclaimed property, the state aims to ensure that more residents are reunited with their lost assets.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• Detroit Free Press
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• Oakland County 115
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